Nathan
,
11

“Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit” – Edward Abbey

Eleven-year-old Nathan has always been an active, outdoorsy kid. He enjoys a good adventure and is never afraid of a challenge, as evidenced when he was diagnosed with cancer. While enduring his treatments, Nathan seeks to keep up the adventure and fun of childhood.

“His diagnosis was very tough for our family,” said Nathan’s dad, David. “It’s a difficult form of cancer, but he’s kept a positive attitude about fighting it.”

When Nathan was referred to Make-A-Wish Colorado, he knew that he wanted his wish to be something amazing, something full of adventure. So, Nathan decided to go to Alaska for his wish where he could explore glaciers and experience everything that the Alaskan wildness has to offer.

“My favorite part of the trip was riding over the glaciers in a helicopter,” said Nathan. “That is something I will never forget.”

Nathan also took on dog sledding and feeding animals at the wildlife conservation center including Nathan’s favorite, the muskox.

“The wish was a powerful experience,” said Nathan’s mom, Elizabeth. “It was a good bonding experience for our family, especially for Nathan and his brothers. We were able to step back from our current situation and have fun as a family.”

Nathan is still undergoing treatment for his medical condition, but faces it with determination. His wish brought him closer to nature, closer to his family, and gave him revitalized strength.